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Dr. Orison Swett Marden (1850–1924) was an American inspirational author who wrote on success in life and how to achieve it. His writings discuss common-sense principles and virtues that make for a well-rounded, successful life. Many of his ideas are based on New Thought philosophy.

When a man feels throbbing within him the power to do what he undertakes as well as it can possibly be done, this is happiness, this is success.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Success, Strength

If we put the emphasis upon the right things, if we live the life that is worth while and then fail, we will survive all disasters, we will out-live all misfortune. We should be so well balanced and symmetrical, that nothing which could ever happen could throw us off our center, so that no matter what misfortune should overtake us, there would still be a whole magnificent man or woman left after being stripped of everything else.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Honesty

The hopeful man sees success where others see failure; sunshine where others see shadows and storm.—Orison Swett Marden

The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment; it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Opportunity, Luck

The quality of your work, in the long run, is the deciding factor on how much your services are valued by the world.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Work

It is those who have this imperative demand for the best in their natures, and who will accept nothing short of it, that holds the banners of progress, that set the standards, the ideals, for others.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Excellence

Who would have ever heard of Theodore Roosevelt outside of hisimmediate community if he had only half committed himself?The great secret of his career was that he has flung his wholelife with all the determination and energy he could muster.—Orison Swett Marden

Your expectations opens or closes the doors of your supply, If you expect grand things, and work honestly for them, they will come to you, your supply will correspond with your expectation.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Expectation

Obstacles are like wild animals. They are cowards but they will bluff you if they can. If they see you are afraid of them… they are liable to spring upon you; but if you look them squarely in the eye, they will slink out of sight.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Fear, Difficulty, Challenges, Obstacles

Begin where you are; work where you are; the hour which you are now wasting, dreaming of some far off success, may be crowded with grand possibilities.—Orison Swett Marden

Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.—Orison Swett MardenTopics: Success & Failure, Achievement